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United States Department of Agriculture <br />NKS- <br />Natural Resources Conservation Service C 5 <br />Jim Boyd,: Resource Conservationist v 0. jim.boyd@co.usdagov <br />P. O. Box 29 VJ . 970327-4245-OFFICE <br />Norwood 'CO 81423 •? 9703274247-FAX <br />January 7, 2007 <br />To Whom it May Concern: <br />I was asked to comment on.the-Tecmca evasion No. , ; ection a eveg anon o-- f r <br />the New Horizon #2 Mine of Western Fuels, Inc. After reading the Revision, the following are <br />my observations and comments intended to clarify what I believe are miscommunications and <br />inaccuracies: <br />Pages 5 & 6: <br />It was stated that "irrigated hayland and pastureland are very similar in composition in many <br />cases and may be used interchangeable depending- on the. operator's needs." This may be true for <br />some fields that are managed for grass or grass/alfalfa hay, and then also grazed by livestock at <br />various times of the year. But there are other instances, quite common, when crop fields are <br />managed solely as hayland, particularly alfalfa hay. This latter condition usually occurs on the <br />better soils, and relies on a high level of management by the operator. <br />This Revision Document repeatedly uses the terms cropland, hayland, and-pastureland almost <br />interchangeably and therefore; fails to make the appropriate distinctions between these three <br />agricultural land uses. The following definitions and discussion are-intended to cla.rify, these <br />terms and encourage accurate use of them. <br />Cropland: Abroad term used to identify -land .which produces an agricultural conunodity. But <br />for United States Department of Agricultural purposes, it is more specifically used .for land that <br />is managed intensively. with tillage and other cultural practices. to produce commodities such as <br />vegetables, grains, hay, silage, etc. It is considered distinct from pastureland in that-periodic re- <br />seeding of a crop is usually, necessary to sustain a high level of production. Occasionally,, crop <br />aftermath or residue may be grazed,after the crop is harvested. <br />Hayland: A term used to describe land,that is used primarily to produceIvestock forage that is <br />mechanically harvested and stored for later use. It is considered cropland, and a high level of <br />management (fertilizing, irrigating, pest control, etc.), with periodic re-seeding, is usually <br />necessary to sustain production. As with other cropland,<hayland may. be.grazed at various times <br />of the year depending on the forage grown and the needs.-of the producer.. The common types of <br />hay grown in western Colorado include alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixyand grass (introduced and/or <br />native species). <br />The Natural Resource Conservation Service works in partnership with the American People <br />to conserve and sustain natural resources on private lands. An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.